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Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma

331 Lakeville Street

Petaluma, California

Leroy Cheda Obituary

Leroy W. Cheda Passed away in Palm Springs, California January 15, 2011 after a brief illness. Loving father of Stephanie A. Nevin (David) of San Rafael and Danielle M. Rogers (Shane) of Folsom. Dear son of the late Ralph M. and Elinore E. Cheda, brother of Ralph M. Cheda (Claudia) of Brentwood and Vernon E. Cheda (Mary Ann) of Petaluma. Beloved grandfather of Tyler C., Katelyn G., and Grant C. Rogers, Cameron C. and Connor C. Nevin. Dearest friend of Guy E. Francoz and John J. Matteucci. Leroy is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. A long time Mill Valley resident and native of Point Reyes Station, age 66 years. Leroy graduated from Tomales High School, Class of 1962. He went to work for Russell & Gooch Funeral Chapel in Mill Valley in 1969, attended and graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1972. In 1975, he became co-owner of Russell & Gooch with John Matteucci, owning and operating until 1998. After retiring, Leroy then worked part time for Adobe Creek Funeral Home in Petaluma serving Marin and Sonoma counties. He was proud of his dedication to the community in funeral service for over 42 years. He was a member and Past President of the Italian Catholic Federation, St. James Br. #161 of Larkspur, Marvelous Marin Lodge #1969, Sons of Italy of Fairfax, member and Past President of the Redwood Empire Funeral Directors Assoc., and the Native Sons of the Golden West, Sea Point Parlor #158 of Sausalito. Friends are invited to the visitation Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 2PM until 8PM at the ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA. Friends are invited to attend the funeral mass Friday, January 21, 2011 at 11AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 3 Oakdale Avenue, Mill Valley, CA. .Entombment will be at Valley Memorial Park, Novato, CA. At Leroy's request, memorial gifts are preferred to the Carousel Fund, 17 Buckeye Court, Petaluma, CA 94952 or to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at adobecreekfuneralhome.com CHEDA & LYONS - Directors 707-789-9000

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Leroy Cheda

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Mandy Engeln

January 11, 2025

Gone for such a long time, but always in our hearts and prayers!

Dolores Enos

January 11, 2024

We miss you and St. Patrick church as never been the same without you. RIP, you were one of a kind, everyone loved you

Danny (Danny and Billy)

January 12, 2023

Remembering a good friend ... Leroy took care of my father´s remains in 1994, arranging for viewing in Daly City and then shipping them to Mexico, Pampanga, Philippines, dealing with local and international arrangements, permits, and other documents because his funeral services company was in Marin.

Leroy was always fun to be with; he enjoyed food, serious conversations, small talks, jokes, music, noise, and White Swallow, our favorite piano bar on Polk St. Kind, generous, dapper, and always gracious, my fondest memory of Leroy was the weekend a group of friends spent at his and Guy´s vacation home with a vineyard for a backyard in Calistoga. (I´m sure I can dig up photos from that weekend... before there was Facebook.)

Dolores Enos

January 11, 2022

One of the finest people I have Known. Gone but not forgotten for all the good kind deeds you did for all of us. Rest in Peace dear Leroy.

Guy Francoz

March 25, 2011

Two months already, and I miss You so much. Love You, GUY

Marie McInerney

February 13, 2011

I first met Leroy when he came to our home after my father passed away. My mother knew him from church. At a time when we were all lost and grieving, Leroy said and did all the right things to make a difficult time much more bearable. After reading other letters, I see he had a gift and he apparently used it to help humanity and add a little more light to all our lives. We have always been grateful to Leroy and will never forget him. Our condolences to all his loved ones.
The McInerney Family of Mill Valley

Eric Butler

February 3, 2011

So many wonderful, loving testimonies from families Leroy guided through their darkest times. A life well lived in the service of others, he was a joy to be around. He balanced the not-easily-balanced life of a funeral director eloquently and with great class. A life to be emulated, he will be greatly missed, but even more greatly remembered.

Fred Peters

February 1, 2011

My condolences to the family. Leroy was a longtime friend of mine and provided thoughtful service to my family when we suffered a loss. He will be greatly missed.

Janice Simmons-Trapp

January 30, 2011

To the family of Mr. Leroy W. Cheda. Our prayers and heart felt condolences go out to you. Mr. Cheda touched our lives when we lost our mother Mrs. Addie Simmons in 1992. Be encourged and know that he was loved and respected by all he assisted in their time of need.
May God bless you.

January 26, 2011

We are so sorry to hear about his passing. You were lucky to have such a beautiful man in your life..as all of us were. Bill and Patti Willitts

Leon Radomile

January 25, 2011

Leroy Cheda was an absolute Christian gentlemen. I was only recently informed of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Leroy was a genuine human being that will be welcomed into paradise with joy.
Leon J. Radomile and family

January 24, 2011

Wesend our sumpathy to the family and our prayers. We will always remember Leroy at Mass at the Redwoods. Lorene and Jim Arbios.

Cameron Meadows

January 23, 2011

The Cheda family is in my thoughts at this time of sorrow. Leroy was a great man with an awesome sense of humor and style. I know he will be missed by anyone that knew him. The funeral industry has lost an elite professional. I will always have fond memories of "Uncle Leroy".

Max Carroll

January 23, 2011

To my friend Leroy Cheda, whom I have known for many years in the funeral profession. What a delight to be around. His smile and laughter were always present. He was a great asset to our industry. My sympathy to his family, Guy and John

Brigid Oswald

January 22, 2011

The Falvey family would like to send their condolences to the Cheda family. Leroy was a special man that will always be remembered in our hearts. He helped our family when we lost both our mom and dad. We so appreciated his kindness and love during those difficult times. God Bless, The Falvey Family

Judy & Harold Ricioli

January 22, 2011

You will be greatly missed, dear friend. You brought many laughs into the lives of everyone around you. You lived life to the fullest and we were all blessed having you as a friend. I will think of all the good laughs we had and many fun times. I wish we had more to make.

God Bless You.

Kittie Raskowsky

January 22, 2011

Dear Cheda family,

Leroy was a very dear friend of my parents Frank and Jackie Keane. They adored Leroy and had such wonderful times together at ICF dinners and many other events. The Keane family sends prayers and Gods comfort during this difficult time. Leroy was there for us when both of our parent's passed and brought us comfort and laughter. Leroy was blessed with a special gift and our family will never forget him.

May you find comfort in your faith, family, friends and memories.

Love,

Kittie Keane Raskowsky & the Keane family...

Diana & Bill McCall

January 21, 2011

You will be greatly missed Leroy.

Mandy Engeln

January 21, 2011

We got to know and loveLeRoy through mutual friends. Having had a retail store in Mill Valley, we often enjoyed his visits and his fun stories he shared with that big smile of his We will always remember his genuine love of life and people.Our sincere condolences to the Cheda Family. This wonderful person who always took care of everyone is now your very own special angel. We are praying for you.
John and Mandy Engeln, Mill Valley.

Marie Dalldorf

January 21, 2011

January 21, 2011

To the family of Leroy. May knowing that others truly care help to ease your sadness on the loss of your loved one, and give you you hope, courage, and strength to meet each tomorrow with new hope. We met Leroy through my sister and brother-in-law, Anna and Dave Biggio and fondly recall the crab dinners he put one. He will be missed. With heartfelt sympathy from Felix, Marie, Joseph and Johnathan Dalldorf

Billy Chiu, Danny Galang

January 21, 2011

In loving memory of a wonderful friend. We will love you and miss you always.

There were so many fun and happy memories on our nights out, the piano bar, the donut shop and Leory's favorite food, Peking Duck. We'll sure miss you but know you are at peace.

Goodbye to our dear friend, Leory.

Amy Tibet

January 20, 2011

Rest in peace, Leroy. You will missed by the Tibets. I always enjoyed visiting with him and watching him with his grandchildren, who obviously adored him.

Kathleen McCann

January 20, 2011

I met Leroy Cheda in the early months of 1997. I had met my husband when I was 17 and we were married for over 20 years when we found ourselves talking with Mr. Cheda about funeral arrangements for the both of us. My husband was actively dying. We were 46 years old. I remember looking at Leroy across the desk thinking "Who would want to do work like this for a living?" I would come to the realization that it is a calling and Leroy had it. He was professional, comforting, respectful knowing how to guide stunned, grieving people through the steps with a trust and confidence that is a gift. I will always be grateful to him for being there as such a support at that time in our lives.
My husband died a few months later and it was not until years later that the change happened with Russell and Gouch and Leroy contacted me and once again stepped forward to help me put my plans in place with Adobe Creek. There must be legions of people who can speak to his humanity in the sincerest of ways. I hope our grateful thoughts help to comfort you at your time of loss.
Kathleen McCann, Fairfax CA

Melissa Hebert-Douglas

January 20, 2011

May Mr. Cheda's family find comfort in knowing he is now resting in peace. Mr. Cheda was a very compassionate man and will be missed by many.

Kevin & Melissa Douglas, Lillian Hebert

Betty Sue Johnson

January 20, 2011

As an Usher of Village Baptist Church in Marin City for many years, I served many a funeral along side Leroy Cheda. He was truly a good man and I was greatly saddened when Russell & Gooch closed and Leroy moved up to Petaluma to work. I only learned last night of his passing, but very glad to be sent this website and to join in the many voices as we offer our heart felt condolences to Leroy Chedas' family. May God be with you all!

Bob Goodwin

January 20, 2011

Well, no one could ask for a better friend.When the chips were down, he was on the scene, both in good times and bad times too.It was 37 yrs of a great friendship,working funerals together, many fun days and evenings out. I'll sure miss you but know you are at peace. My sympathy to all your wonderful family.

Rhonda Douglas

January 20, 2011

To the family of Mr Cheda we send our condolences Mr Cheda had a friendship with our my grandmother Velma Harris and our family and a history with the Marin City Comunity he had love, support and a caring heart for the grieving families. he deserve honor and recognition for making a difference. He will never be forgotten

January 20, 2011

I was shocked to read of Leroy"s death. I enjoyed working with Leroy for many years and will always fondly remember his dedication to the funeral industry and the loving care he gave to so many families. His wonderful sense of humor will be missed also!

Virginia McCuistion

Debbie Foged

January 20, 2011

To the Cheda Family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was a great man, and he will be missed by many.

The Deason (Riddle) Family

January 20, 2011

We send our sincere condolences to the family and want to let you know we are thinking of all the good times our families shared. We are truly sorry for your loss.

Linda Lehto

January 20, 2011

My heart goes out to all the family and friends in this time of sorrow and may the wonderful memories live on for your family and friends.
Leroy was always a joy to be around and we will all miss him deeply.

Gloria & Norman Wohlschlaeger

January 19, 2011

A truly special person who made a very positive difference in the lives of many people at their difficult times. Leroy, you will very truly be missed.

January 19, 2011

Condolences to the Cheda Family. The last time I saw Leroy was at Joanne Cosgroves funeral in Paradise. He was a fine gentlemen and the industry will miss him. Robert A. Leask

January 19, 2011

Cheda Family and Friends,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time.
The Joerger Family

Sinai Memorial Chapel

January 19, 2011

Our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of Mr. Leroy Cheda. Leroy represented the very best of who a funeral service professional should be. His dedication to our industry and to the families he served will always be remembered.

ICF Branch 332

January 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Leroy's family. He was a wonderful addition to our ICF group in Novato. He will be missed.

JOHN O, GOFF

January 19, 2011

MY SINCEREST CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO THE CHEDA
FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF LEROY..I HAVE KNOWN LEROY FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS, HAVING BOTH BEEN RAISED IN THE PT. REYES AREA..I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING SEVERAL CASES WITH LEROY WHEN HE WAS OWNER OF THE MORTUARY IN MILL VALLEY AND I WAS WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPT. I HAVE NEVER MEET A MORE COMPASSIONATE AND PROFESSIONAL
PERSON..MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF LEROY,GOD BLESS YOU SIR, A JOB WELL DONE.

Barrry/Jeanne Cheney

January 18, 2011

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

By Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Barry Shurtz

January 18, 2011

The first time I met Leroy I was buying my boss (Stephanie) lunch at 900 Grayson's in Berkeley to say "thanks for being such a great boss." Leroy happened to come in while Stephanie and I were eating lunch. He had a bottle of water with plant food in it so he could water the plant that he gave to the owners when they first opened the restaurant. I remember him saying he always does that when he visits the restaurant. After chatting for a bit Leroy was seated for lunch with the folks he came in with. Stephanie and I finished our lunch and I went to pay the bill and guess what? Leroy had already picked up the tab! I could tell he was a loving, caring, generous, and fun human being. My thoughts and prayers to Stephanie and the whole family.

Kirk Cheda

January 18, 2011

Always full of fun, always there to support anyone who needed help. We will miss him. Cheers

garett eckelhoff

January 18, 2011

Leroy was a class act man. very respected and his kindness went a long way. i remember his funeral home in mill valley well. no matter when I attended a service Leroy always did a fine job lets hope he gets the service he always gave out we lost a fine gentleman RIP Leroy and god bless your family

Adobe Creek Funeral Home

January 19, 2011

Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.

Shirley Thompson

January 18, 2011

Mr Cheda was a wonderful and caring person he will truly be missed in the Marin City community. My through and prayer goes with the Cheda family.

Barbara Dillon-Reilly

January 18, 2011

My brother,Tom Dillon met Leroy I believe on a cruise through the Panama Canal in 2005 (just a few months before he passed in 2/2006)Our great grandfather was Gardinzio Cheda who had the first dairy ranch in Marin in 1860. We were always going to try and find how we were related as our families were both from Maggia Switzerland.
Rest In Peace Leroy, you and my brother Tom have met once again, you can now figure out if we are cousins.

The Muschi Family

January 18, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Cheda Family

January 18, 2011

Uncle Leroy, you will be truly missed your sense of humor always making us laugh. Thank you for the great memories.
We Love you, Barry, Lisa, Tyler and Kendra

January 18, 2011

Our loving sympathy to Stephanie and Danielle and your beautiful families on the loss of your father.
May God bless,
Pat & Fred Postel and family

Aunt Rebecca and family

January 18, 2011

Stephanie and family - please accept our most heartfelt sympathy. Hearing the many stories about your dad - he sounded like a very kind, loving and giving person. He is your guardian angel & will always hold a very special place in your heart. We send you all love during this very difficult time -

January 18, 2011

We were so sad to hear of Leroy's passing. We are all thinking of you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace
Alex and Nancy Crivelli

Phyllis Sharrow

January 18, 2011

Leroy organized our cousin’s lunches with every detail taken care of to make all of our time together just perfect and yet he always included that extra special something for everyone. He did so many activities for many organizations that kept him busy; but never busy enough to stop and tell a story have a drink and a good laugh. He was a caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and good friend. How I will miss my cousin and buddy.

Michael Falvey

January 18, 2011

Leroy our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and thanking you for all that you did for our mother and father and also the ICF. God be with you.

Lawanda Harris-Garrison

January 18, 2011

The Harris Family sends our condolences Mr Cheda was always there for the community of Marin City he was also a dear friend to my mother Velma Harris He was so compassionate with a caring heart you will be missed but never forgotten.

Lawanda Harris-Garrison

January 18, 2011

Our sincere condolences to the Cheda family he was a gift to the Harris family a dear friend to my mother Velma Harris and the community of Marin City he was a caring compassionate person who we dearly loved Rip Mr Cheda you will be missed but never forgotten

January 18, 2011

Leroy will always have a place in our hearts.

Warren and Sharon Tello

January 18, 2011

To Leroy's family, I am sorry for your
loss. We who knew Leroy,we will miss you.
Hugs Billie Bertrand

January 18, 2011

Leroy organized our cousin’s lunches with every detail taken care of to make all of our time together just perfect and yet he always included that extra special something for everyone. He did so many activities for many organizations that kept him busy; but never busy enough to stop and tell a story have a drink and a good laugh. He was a caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and good friend. How I will miss my cousin and friend.

Thomas Dugan

January 18, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Cheda Family. RIP Leroy my dear friend.

Hans Schacht

January 18, 2011

Bill and I will always treasure Leroy's friendship,generosity and the wonderful times we had together. Our sincere condolences to Guy and his family.

Laura Bingham

January 18, 2011

Mr. Cheda will always be remembered by Laura, Janet, Susana, Monica, Lana and Dr. Amen at the Kentfield Wound Center. We will miss Mr. Cheda. Our condolences to the family.

Dolores Enos

January 18, 2011

To Leroy's family:
What a gift to the community and the world, everywhere he went he brought love
and joy. We at The St. James Branch were
especially blessed for his friendship and
contribution to our lives.
He shall be very missed, may the peace
of the Lord be with him and his family.
Cio bello.........
Dolores Enos

Dianne Kelly

January 18, 2011

Mr. Cheda was a king, caring, generous, compassionate gentleman. My sympathies to his family.

Candy Furlong

January 18, 2011

My sincere condolences to the Cheda family.

January 18, 2011

I think my favorite memory was when we were in Disneyland and took the wrong bus back to the hotel. We laughed until we cried. So many memories...and family drinks. He was a one of a kind. We will miss him.
Michelle and Ian Yrisarri

January 18, 2011

Our brother, Leroy, will always be remembered and missed. Now he can rest in peace. May he be in heaven praying for us.
Claudia & Ralph Cheda

Jewel Barrow

January 18, 2011

Mr Cheda, was a wonderful friend of the Marin City community. A compassionate and caring person, he will truly be missed.
Jewel Barrow, Marin City, Ca.

Dan & Tama Bell

January 18, 2011

Thinking of all of you who loved Leroy. The Bell family sends our condolences.

January 18, 2011

We love you Grandpa and will miss you so much!
xoxo
Tyler, Katelyn, Grant, Connor and Cameron

Nancy Vierra

January 18, 2011

I will certainly miss all of the e-mails and your great smile. I will never forget all of the wonderful "cousins' lunches" you planned and organized. Rest in peace cousin.

Mary Louise Gooch

January 17, 2011

I knew Leroy since I was a senior in high school when he began to work for my father, Gerald Gooch. My mom and dad loved Leroy. I knew him through them. They held him in high regard and respected him deeply. He was a good good man! Thank you Leroy for all you gave our family. You will always be remembered and missed.

Mimi Streett

January 17, 2011

Leroy's gentle care of my friends will always be remembered and appreciated, as well as his professionalism and warm personality.

My prayers and condolences are offered to the family.

Joanie Gooch

January 17, 2011

Leroy Thank you for everything you have done for our family.

Ronald Hast

January 17, 2011

Leroy's life and friendship in death care and funeral service has been exemplary and cherished for decades. Thousands of families have been privileged to receive his care and compassion with great appreciation. We, as colleagues in this field of care mourn his death and carry on with many fond memories. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and especially Guy and John, knowing in time the wonderful memories of his life will bring peace.

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331 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA 94952

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